Sherman Lee Grimstead, Sr.

On December 18th, 2013, God called our dear, precious father, Sherman L. Grimstead, Sr. home. He is walking on streets of gold and enjoying all the glories of heaven through salvation in Christ Jesus, our Lord. He was 81 years young having been born on June 28th, 1932. He was predeceased by his father, Ryland L. Grimstead, Sr., his mother Mildred Murphy Grimstead, his sisters, Rosie Mae Hart and Mildred (Pinky) Black, his wife Ellar R. (Cindy) Grimstead and his step-son Jackie Sherrill.

He temporarily leaves his four children, Sharon D. Dowdy (Sissy) and spouse David E. Dowdy, L. Renee’ Grimstead(Boogie), both of Virginia Beach, Sherman L. Grimstead, Jr. (Bubba) and spouse Bonnie D. Grimstead of Chesapeake and Carrie J. Harris (Beaver) and spouse David F. Harris of Moyock, NC; two step-daughters, Susan Winchester and spouse Lloyd Winchester of Virginia Beach, Amy Beth Filipek and her spouse Scott Filipek of Alpharetta, GA; eight grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; his sisters, Margaret Akers, Jean Moore, both of Virginia Beach, his sister June Smith of Chesapeake, and his brother Ryland L.(Duke)Grimstead of Asheboro, NC and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a man of many talents, a master carpenter for over 27 years, building custom homes and custom cabinets for over 20 years. He also built furniture for our home, including an heirloom swinging baby cradle. He retired from managing the Carpenter Shop for the City of Virginia Beach after 25 years. His favorite hobby was playing his guitar and singing gospel music with his brother and sisters, especially when they would play for the senior citizens at different nursing homes. Over his lifetime he saw many changes and inventions including electric woodworking tools such as the skill saw which increased production 10 fold. He kept up with the times by texting on his phone and video chatting on his computer. He taught us that money did not matter and that to be rich in the love of family and friends was all that mattered. He loved fun and adventure. He taught us to stand on our heads, to water ski on his shoulders and to ride horses. He loved the mountains and took us every chance he got, teaching us the joys of mountain climbing and to not be afraid of anything. He was a man of principals, teaching us right from wrong and that even though God was in control and knew all things that He gave us free will and that we were responsible for our choices. Even though he was a perfectionist and always encouraged us to do our best in everything we did, always saying a job worth doing was worth doing right, whether we succeeded or failed he was satisfied if he knew we had given it our best. He was kind hearted and loving in all that he did and always made sure we knew he was there for us in every way. He was confident in himself and did not care about prestige. Character and faithfulness was what mattered most to him. If he promised you something, he delivered. He was a man of his word and could be depended upon. In his later years he was hampered by COPD and unable to travel or do anything that took physical effort. He remained cheerful and thankful for his family and friends, taking great delight in his grandchildren and especially in his great grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We rejoice that he is alive forevermore and that we will see him again in that glorious land where we will bask in the Light and Joy of the Risen Lamb.

Revelations 21:4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00pm on Saturday, December 21st,2013 at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home at 601 North Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, by the Reverend Ernest L. Trueblood. The service will be concluded at Rosewood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at 11:00am at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home prior to the funeral service. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.